The game of Blackjack takes a lot of knowledge on when to hit, when to stand, and when to double, take insurance, or split a pair into two hands. This can mean the difference between playing blindly and losing or playing smart with a strategy and winning. There are simple rules to the game that are very easy to follow.



In Blackjack you and the dealer start with two cards. Yours will be face up and the casino dealer will have one face up and one face down. You are allowed to hit until you are comfortable with your number or until you bust. This is also the time when you decide to double, take insurance, or split a pair. After that time it is then the casino dealer's turn. They can hit until they have beat you or until they bust. You then take your earnings, or not, based on who had the best hand.

You may double after you receive your first two cards. If you choose this, you are only allowed one more card, no more. The dealer, however, can continue to hit to try and beat you.

You may take insurance before the game starts if you see that the dealer's showing card is an Ace. You are really betting against yourself because you are betting on the dealer having Blackjack. So if they do have Blackjack, you lose the hand but win something for taking insurance. If they do not have Blackjack then you lose what you bet on insurance, but win if you have a better hand than the dealer. You may also split if you are dealt a pair.

Blackjack is a game of luck and skill. There are several gambling choices and sometimes, as with insurance, you can win even if you lose. Knowing the rules and tips on when to hit and stand will help you become a better player and maybe even a winner.